Depeche Mode

Description

Not only were Depeche Mode synth-pop innovators, but they continually redefined the genre. Their landmark albums, Music for the Masses ('87) and Violator ('90) in particular stretched the bounds of what electronic music could be. Music for the Masses brought a deep level of human emotion to electronic songs, while Violator demonstrated that drum machines and synthesizers could sound as complex and textured as guitars and live drums. By the late '90s they'd lost that cutting edge creativity and were dismissed by the next generation of music fans. Even if they aren't recording mind-blowing albums these days, they're now seen as legends, and rightfully so. With the synth-pop renaissance in full swing, Depeche Mode are the Rolling Stones of the digital age. (Aaron Carnes)